Solar Thermal vs. Solar Electric

There are a lot of new solar companies out there that ONLY do solar electricity (because it is relatively easy) that simply do not understand energy efficiency. I have a potential customer with 2 electric water heaters who has received many quotes on solar electricity. Not one of those companies told him he should install a solar water heating system to shrink his electric need because that would be MUCH more cost-effective than installing a bigger solar electric system.

The fact is that solar thermal (or solar hot water) is 4 times as efficient as solar electricity at producing energy savings per square foot of sunlight. Price wise, solar hot water is about half the cost per unit of energy. And with today's thermal rebates and tax credits, it is a no-brainer all thermal needs such as hot water should be done with thermal solar, period. Only things that can only be done electrically should be left for the PV system.